Schedule

Wednesday - Nov 14

3:00 - 10:00 PM

Check in

Everyone gets access to their rooms and signs up for the next morning's critique groups. Time to meet some new friends!

Thursday - Nov 15

7:30 - 8:30 AM

Breakfast

9:00 - 10:00 AM

Setup Workstations

Workstations will be upstairs in the lecture hall building. Stake out a spot and get to know your neighbors.

10:00 - 11:30 AM

Welcome Lecture - The Whole Artist

We're going to kick things off by having Peter Mohrbacher talk about artist as a whole person.

The shape of your business has to conform to the shape of the life you want to lead. Examining the opportunities you have and learning to fit them together creatively is the key to living your best life.

60 minute talk, 30 minute Q&A, 30 minute round table

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 - 5:30 PM

Critique Groups

Attendees will break into smaller groups for critique. We'll be taking a look at every attendee's body of work to start a conversation that should continue throughout the event.

5:30 - 6:30 PM

Dinner

6:30 - 8:30 PM

Lecture - Expressing Your Voice

Winona Nelson

Each of us has our own personal voice. Learning how to better express ourselves as individuals is the first step on the path to success.

60 minute talk, 30 minute Q&A, 30 minute round table

8:30 - 10:00 PM

Work Time

Friday - Nov 16

7:30 - 8:30 AM

Breakfast

9:00 - 10:30 AM

Lecture - Telling a Story

Justin Gerard

The narrative of art is essential to capturing the attention of an audience. Communicating that story more clearly is just as important as learning which stories you want to tell.

3:00 - 5:30 PM

Specialty Lectures

Collaborative Work Time

An opportunity to work along side our staff

David PetersenNen ChangStephanie Law

5:30 - 6:30 PM

Dinner

6:30 - 8:30 PM

Lecture - How to Patreon

Peter Mohrbacher

Patreon is an exciting new tool in the indie artist's arsenal. Learn how to integrate it into your business to get more out of the work you're already making and deepen the relationship with your fans.

60 minute talk, 30 minute Q&A, 30 minute round table

8:30 - 10:00 PM

Work Time

Saturday - Nov 17

7:30 - 8:30 AM

Breakfast

9:00 - 10:30 AM

Lecture - Social Media

Kelly McKernan

Social Media is the path to finding fans out in the wider world. The best ways to connect and interact with new followers is one of the most important parts of marketing that any indie creator needs to know. Every year this talk is different, because every year the rules are being changed.

10:30 - 12:00 PM

Specialty Lectures

Collaborative Work Time

An opportunity to work along side our staff

Justin Gerard

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 - 3:00 PM

Lecture - World Building

David Petersen

For many of us, building fantastical worlds is a major part of our identities as creators. Crafting an imaginary place for other people to explore is a delicate process that requires both care and attention.

60 minute talk, 30 minute Q&A, 30 minute round table

3:00 - 5:30 PM

Deep Learning

Smaller groups with a more focused discussion

Peter Mohrbacher - Selling at Conventions from HomeAnnie Stegg Gerard - Working Traditional on a DeadlineL. Rush - Time Management

Collaborative Work Time

An opportunity to work along side our staff

Kelly McKernan

5:30 - 6:30 PM

Dinner

6:30 - 8:30 PM

Lecture - Kickstarter & Online Sales

Stephanie Law

There is no better way to make pre-sales than to use Kickstarter. Making the most out of your crowdfunding campaign and then integrating it into your larger online business is critical to success. Selling online is the primary way that independent creators make a living in today's market.

60 minute talk, 30 minute Q&A, 30 minute round table

8:30 - 10:00 PM

Sketch Night

Drawing prompts, drinks and a little background music for flavor. It's been a long day and it's time to make some drawings for the best reason, no reason at all.

Sunday - Nov 18

7:30 - 8:30 AM

Breakfast

10:00 - 11:30 AM

Lecture - Salesmanship

Sam Flegal

We are always selling and we are always negotiating, whether we believe we are or not. Take more control of the conversation when it comes to your work.

60 minute talk, 30 minute Q&A, 30 minute round table

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 - 3:00 PM

Lecture - Social Engineering

Nen Chang

Whether your are interacting online or at a convention, you must establish your role with your audience. Finding the right balance of give and take can mean the difference between a healthy relationship with your fans and a disfunctional one.

60 minute talk, 30 minute Q&A, 30 minute round table

3:00 - 5:30 PM

Specialty Lectures

Smaller groups with a more focused discussion

David Petersen - Managing an IPL.Rush - Ladder of InfluenceStephanie Law - Spreadsheets for Kickstarter

5:30 - 6:30 PM

Dinner

6:30 - 8:00 PM

Lecture - Working with Collectors and Managing Relationships

Annie Stegg Gerard

The relationship we have with the people that buy are work is more than just sales, it's a conversation. Maintaining productive ties to art collectors, gallery owners and convention organizers can be a careful balance that requires us to be good listeners as well as good communicators.